Biology and Habits of the Living Beech Borer in Red Oaks1

Abstract

Goes pulverulenlus (Haldeman), a large gray, cerambycid beetle, causes trunk injury to scattered red oaks in Arkansas and Mississippi. This borer was reared from oaks (black, cherry bark, Nuttall, and willow) and American beech. Adults emerged from late April to early June and deposited eggs in niche clusters an-raging 17 eggs per cluster. Most individuals of a brood matured in 3 years, but a few required 4–5 years. Trunks 8–12 cm in diameter were most commonly infested, and attacks were most prevalent at heights of 2–3 m. Infested trees were easily recognized by clusters of egg niches, sap-stained bark, dark-colored frass, and later by ragged longitudinal scars where the bark had died. Damage results from breakage of weakened stems, degrading, and predisposal to attack by carpenter worms and other borers. Woodpeckers were among the most important natural controls.